Thousands of Tourists Stranded in Lapland Due to Extreme Weather

Thousands of Tourists Affected by Cold Weather in Lapland

Thousands of tourists have been stranded in Lapland, Finland, as a severe cold snap has led to the cancellation of flights from one of its airports. Flights from Kittilä Airport, which would have returned winter travelers to cities such as London, Bristol, Manchester, Paris, and Amsterdam, were all canceled on Sunday, with temperatures not rising above -35°C. The situation is expected to persist into Monday, with a forecast low of -39°C, according to the Finnish Meteorological Institute.

The first flight from Kittilä has already been canceled. The extreme cold is hindering the de-icing of planes, and ground maintenance and refueling equipment may become immobilized. Airport operator Finavia has informed the public that humidity in the air is exacerbating the situation, causing slippery frost conditions.

Although Lapland—spanning northern Norway, Sweden, and Finland—is known for its cold and snow, Finnish Lapland generally experiences an average winter temperature of -14°C, with occasional drops to -30°C, according to the country's tourism offerings. Kittilä Airport mainly serves those wishing to travel to nearby ski resorts and view the Northern Lights, while the more southern Rovaniemi Airport is the official destination for visitors to Santa Claus' folklore home.

One flight from Rovaniemi was also canceled on Sunday. It appears that flights to and from Kittilä had also been canceled on Friday and Saturday. The cold weather has made roads particularly treacherous, with Fintraffic warning of icy conditions in the area. A bus carrying Ukrainian passengers slid into a ditch on Sunday morning, according to Yle, citing local police reports. No serious injuries were reported.

This unusual chill in Lapland comes amid a storm sweeping across northern Europe, bringing winter conditions and travel disruptions in the United Kingdom, France, and Germany. A man died after a tree fell on a caravan in England, and approximately 100,000 households lost power in France on Saturday.